We are disturbed to learn that trans young people receiving gender-affirming care through WellBN recently received a letter announcing that their access to endocrine care will be withdrawn at the end of July.
For over-16s, this will mean being referred into an NHS CYP gender service with no guarantee of being able to continue gender-affirming hormone treatment. For those under 16, it means no prospect of hormone treatment with the NHS until they reach 18, and no guarantee of access to puberty blockers.
Despite many young trans patients reporting a positive experience of care with WellBN, an investigation conducted by NHS Sussex was launched in response to legal action on behalf of one parent unhappy with their teenage child’s transition care.
The investigation’s findings, released today, acknowledges that the Practice’s staff had a “genuine desire and commitment” to help the young trans people and their families who came to WellBN after struggling with major delays in accessing gender care through NHS specialist services.
While the investigation points repeatedly to “potential harm” to young people at the clinic, young trans people now face the very real harm of being left with no clear route to accessing care – or no route at all.
To the affected young people and their families, TransActual stands with you.
You deserve access to timely, affirming healthcare, free from political interference and we will keep working until access to that care is restored.